Summer School at UCL

4001-699-686

9
Course Selections


Architecture and Design
Banking & Finance
Business Management
Film Studies
Media & Journalism
Laws
Engineering
Medicine
Software Development & Game Design

  Introduction 

University College London (UCL), established in 1826, stands as the UK's third-oldest institution of higher education and is counted among the G5 universities in the UK. UCL comprises 11 academic faculties, over 100 academic departments and research centers, 17 libraries, and 9 museums. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding research capabilities, UCL consistently ranks among the top 10 in global assessments by academic institutions such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and U.S. News World University Rankings. UCL has a robust network of staff and alumni, producing 33 Nobel Prize laureates and 3 recipients of the Fields Medal. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, and Francis Crick, co-discoverer of DNA are both UCL alumni.

In November 2023, ASDAN China and Summer School at UCL entered into a strategic partnership, opening up summer programs for Chinese students for the first time. The program, taught by a team of seasoned industry experts, is committed to enhancing students' enthusiasm for learning. It aims to help students explore diverse academic disciplines, understand future industry trends, clarify their future career paths and professional choices, and develop essential skills for future academic and career development. Throughout the program, students will study on the UCL campus and reside in UCL undergraduate student apartments, immersing themselves in the authentic academic atmosphere of UCL. In addition, the program offers a variety of on-campus and off-campus practical exploration activities. It provides opportunities for students to exercise and cultivate core personal skills, including information retrieval, communication, innovation, and critical thinking abilities, laying a solid foundation for their future development.

* Important Note: Please note that Summer School at UCL is not affiliated with UCL nor its constituent colleges.

 Why Us? 

125 Nationalities
Students will study and live together with outstanding peers from 125 countries worldwide, enhancing their international communication skills, teamwork, and other essential abilities.
Small Class, up to 10 students per class
The program is led by industry experts from the G5 universities, employing a small class teaching approach with a maximum of 10 students. This engages students in the classroom and ensures in-depth communication between students and mentors.
Prominent Enterpries, provide practical support and professional development exploration
Students will participate in subject-specific practical courses supported by prominent UK institutions and businesses such as Barclays Bank and the Royal Courts of Justice. The practical courses cover a wide range of topics, including drone coding and virtual reality, unraveling the secrets of the London Underground, startup companies, and financial accelerators.
1V1 gudiance, personalized Q&A with professional tutors
Mentors will pay attention to students' participation and engage in 1V1 communication with them to discuss about their performance. They will guide students to reflect on the activity process and continuously improve their learning methods. Ultimately, teachers will collaborate with students to develop plans that align with their interests, hobbies, and professional development.
Authoritative academic report and program completion certificates
After completing this program, students will receive personalized academic reports and program completion certificates, providing strong evidence of their individual learning and practical capabilities.

  Teaching Faculty  

* The final tutor is subject to the official arrangement of Summer School at UCL.

 Academic Structure & Available Courses  

Academic Structure

Academic Course

50%

Practical Course

50%

Available Courses

Age 15-18:

Architecture and Design | Banking & Finance | Business Management | Film Studies | Media & Journalism | Laws | Engineering | Medicine | Software Development & Game Design

Architecture and Design

Course Description:

From the Shard in London to the Shanghai Tower, from Amager Hill to the World Trade Center in Bahrain, architectural works from different periods reflect the evolution of human needs for architectural functionality. With the continuous development of human needs, there is an increasing demand in society for architects with professional skills and design taste. In this course, students will learn fundamental knowledge in architecture, design principles, and other professional courses. They will draw design inspiration from the experiences shared by professionals, understand and develop the skills required for architects, laying a solid foundation to adapt to the demands of modern architecture.

Reference practice activities:

Design and development of comprehensive urban buildings: Visit the London office of Metropolitan Workshop Architecture Studio, a recipient of numerous awards in architectural design. Experience the real working environment and workflow of architects, establishing a concrete understanding of the architectural design industry.

Exploring Architecture Center: Students will be able to explore the material exhibits on show at the Building Centre, and use this as a basis for creating their own project or piece by the end of their visit.

Architects' urban exploration journey:Under the guidance of mentors, students will explore Canary Wharf, a significant financial center in London. They will gain insights into the engineering principles embedded in the architecture of this area.

Film Studies

Course Description:

The Film Studies programme is aimed at guiding students into the world of films and theatres, exploring the enchantment of film art through theoretical and practical learning, Students will learn scriptwriting skills for films, and explore TV and film criticism. Practically, they will have the opportunity to experience visual effects production produced by Framestore, an Oscar-winning company, participate in the shooting process of Chocolate Films Workshop, and appreciate the charm of GlobeTheater in London. The course, with the combination of theory and practice, will allow students to spark their inspiration and lay a solid foundation for the future creation.

Reference practice activities:

The Unveiling of Visual Effects Production: Students will attend a seminar organized by Framestore, one of the world's leading visual effects companies, which has won international awards such as the Academy Award and the BAFTA. Students will gain in-depth expertise in visual effects production for film, television, and advertising.

Film Museum Exploration:Chocolate Films Workshop: The Chocolate Films Workshop offers students the opportunity to learn about filmmaking in a professional studio. Students will experience all aspects of film production, taking turns in roles such as director and cameraman, and learning a wide range of skills both in front of and behind the camera.

Visit to Globe Theatre: Students will explore Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, learn about the history and culture of Elizabethan theatre, see Shakespeare's plays, and analyze his influence on English literature.

Disney Performing Arts Seminar: Led by professional Disney Teaching Artists, students will use scenes from West End plays to explore characterization and acting techniques, develop communication and team-building skills, and enhance their understanding of the performing arts. After the seminar, students will head to the stage to enjoy the classic play of The Lion King.

Business Management

Course Description:

Business management is a practice-oriented discipline. In this program, students will explore the professional field through specialized courses, interactive seminars, and team activities. They will gain insights into the financial industry by learning from experienced professionals and participating in discussions. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit renowned institutions/organizations, deepening their understanding through practical experiences, gaining insights into industry trends, and clarifying personal professional choices and career development directions.

Reference practice activities:

Financial accelerators and start-ups:Students will hear from Barclays’ RISE Fin-Tech accelerator, and learn about how Fin-Tech is innovating and changing the world of finance. Also, students will have a tour of the Shoreditch site and learn about start-up companies in the heart of the most dynamic area of London.

Business management and brand:The Museum of Brands offers workshops exploring themes such as sustainability in packaging, gender in advertising, evolving a brand, and many more. Students get hands-on, learning in a practical way.

Fashion factory visit:The factory offers different topics with themes such as: The manufacturing process of a garment, The Garment Life Cycle, Sustainable On-Demand textile production and The supply chain and challenges a supplier faces.

Big data and business management:The visit to LOKE allows students an insight into the roles of marketing, Fin-Tech, big data and AI in business. Students will also learn from a company that pivoted extremely successfully during the pandemic due to its AI-driven targeted marketing and agile nature.

Brand promotion and development and business management:Supported by PIP Creative. Students work through their own brand development project, looking at trends and how to stand out in their chosen industry.

Banking & Finance

Course Description:

The Banking and Finance programme, seamlessly merging theoretical foundations with hands-on
applications, aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of the operation of the financial market, global economic dynamics, the knowledge of economic theories, investment strategies, and market trends through academic learning, and to enhance their professionalism through on-site visits. Students will visit the Bank of England to learn about the operation of the central bank and monetary policy; participate in the Guinness Ventures Investment Management Workshop to learn about capital allocation and risk assessment; and communicate with senior practitioners from Revolut to learn about the development path of the financial industry. The combination of theories and practice will help students lay a solid foundation for their future development in the financial sector

Reference practice activities:

Visit to the Bank of England: Students will visit the Bank of England, known as the ‘cornerstone of the financial system’, learn about the central banking system, monetary policy, and financial regulation to understand how financial institutions operate and how they impact the global economy.

Exploration of Financial Institutions: Students will visit London's financial institutions, stock exchanges, and economic research centres, where they will learn about investment strategies, risk management, and the latest financial market trends.

The Unveiling of Venture Capital: Students will participate in an academic seminar organized by Guinness Ventures, a leading venture capital firm, explore core skills such as portfolio management, capital allocation, and risk assessment, and experience the professional investment decision-making process.

Face-to-Face with Fintech Veteran: Students will have an conversation with Revolut financial professionals to learn how the London-based global fintech leader is changing the landscape of the industry through its innovative financial products, currency exchange, and equity investment services.

Media & Journalism

Course Description:

With tremendous creativity and challenge, the media and journalism programme aims to provide students with the advantages that come with exploring the operation and impact of journalism and digital media in nowadays society. Students will have the opportunity to gain insights into what it would be like to study journalism and digital media with academic sessions such as media ethics, investigative journalism, digital narratives, the basic theory of news writing and media, and industry visits to the behind-the-scenes process of news production. Through interactive academic sessions combined with practical workshops and industry visits, the course will help students better prepare for a future career in journalism.

Reference practice activities:

Academic Workshop of News Creation:Students will participate in a news headline creation workshop organized by The Guardian, learn how to accurately capture the core information of the news, analyze the needs of the audience, and create compelling and communicative headlines.

The Unveiling of News Production: Students will participate in a seminar organized by the Daily Mirror to understand the production process from planning to publishing, learn the core creative skills of content editing, information filtering, and news reporting, learn core creative skills such as content editing, information screening, and news reporting, and experience the realities of the news industry.

Behind the Scenes of Sports Coverage: Students will have the opportunity to explore the media room of The Oval Cricket Ground, one of the most renowned and historic cricket stadiums in the UK. During this visit, they will learn about the rich history of this iconic venue. Inside the media room, students will gain insight into the unique demands and challenges of covering live sporting events, and how media teams deliver high-quality content and an immersive experience to viewers during these events.

Media Seminar of Communication Arts: Students will participate in a seminar organized by Media First, where they will learn professional media communication skills, media response strategies, and more. The seminar will help students gain a deeper understanding of the core elements of successful communication, laying the foundation for future media interactions and career development.

Laws

Course Description:

Law is a crucial set of social norms and rules, serving as a significant force in upholding social justice and order. As legal professionals, lawyers must possess excellent critical thinking, judgment, and persuasive skills to effectively use legal tools in protecting the legal rights of parties involved in legal cases. In the course, through the study of professional knowledge, analysis of typical cases, practical activities, and more, students will develop a foundational framework of legal knowledge. They will gain an understanding of the crucial significance of legal operations and establish basic awareness of the legal industry's prospects and workflows.

Reference practice activities:

Old Bailey court case reappearance tour:Students will undertake a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice, taken by an expert guide who will show them: The Great Hall, original court documents relating to ‘Guy Fawkes’ from year 1605, exhibitions of legal costumes, history about the art, and a History of the RCJ’s famous cases and Inquiries.

Discovery tour of the Royal Cour:Students will visit the Royal Court of Justice and explore the original court documents of the Guy Fawkes case, the legal costumes of historical periods and the history of famous cases and investigations in the Royal Court of Justice in London through exhibitions.

UK Supreme Court Discovery Tour:Students will visit the Supreme Court Education Exhibition Hall and can watch or attend the appeal hearing after sharing with the information officers of the British Supreme Court.

Exploring the British Parliament and the House of Commons:Students will visit the British Parliament Education Center to learn about the functions and historical changes of the British Parliament and explore important legislative and political institutions in Britain.

Engineering

Course Description:

Engineering is an applied discipline, with its core focused on applying principles of science and technology to solve problems. In the subject, students will study knowledge in various subdivisions of engineering, such as electronic engineering, electrical engineering, bioengineering, fluid mechanics, software and computer engineering. Through disciplinary practical activities, they will gain an understanding of the learning emphases in different subdivisions of engineering, the practical application of specific disciplinary knowledge, and how to collaboratively address real-world problems through interdisciplinary cooperation.

Reference practice activities:

3D printing:Students have an opportunity to experience the process of 3D printing with the latest technology and explore its uses for thefuture.

Exploration of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park:At the Olympic Park, students receive a guided tour to discover the stages and considerations involved in urban regeneration.

Secrets of the Underground:Participants explore the tunnels, learning what it takes to construct city-wide transportation with a huge number of variables and the changes in engineering over the years.

UAV Coding and Virtual Reality:Participants explore the tunnels, learning what it takes to construct city-wide transportation with a huge number of variables and the changes in engineering over the years.

Robot Workshop:In this workshop, students learn how to code their own drone with a competitive aspect, they must code their model over an assault course with precision, and speed.

Engineering in Roller Coaster:Students attend a Ted talk style exploration of key principles of Physics and Maths with the inspiring backdrop of THORPE PARK’s exhilarating roller-coasters. They’ll discover how crucial considerations of accelerations, Newton’s Laws and Forces are in designing and maintaining the park’s rides.

Exploration of Science Museum:Visit the witness of global scientific and technological changes and developments—the Science Museum. Gain insights into the factors driving the development of science and technology, as well as the progress and application of science and technology in various fields, particularly in the medical domain.

Medicine

Course Description:

Students will explore different subdivisions of biological sciences and investigate emerging trends in the medical field, understanding the developmental trajectory of the healthcare industry. Acting as simulated family doctors, students will conduct tests, diagnose patients, and formulate treatment plans, learning how to address real medical issues. They will read cutting-edge academic materials, record and summarize personal opinions and thoughts, and develop independent thinking skills. Through clinical medical practices, discussions, and on-site explorations at medical schools, students will experience the real working methods and environment of medical professionals.

Reference practice activities:

Animal structure and comparative anatomy:Students undertake a self-guided tour of the museum, guided by their expert tutor, to explore a number of the museum’s specialist areas.

Field exploration at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine:Students may learn about the different roles within the school and the cross-section between research, education and communication on a global scale. Students may learn about the outstanding impact of the work taking place at LSHTM.

Laboratory exploration tour:Students will visit the laboratory where penicillin was discovered and explore how accidental discoveries in biochemical experiments have changed medical history. Students will also have a deeper understanding of penicillin in medical history through lectures.

History and changes of operating room:Students will visit the Old Operating Theatre, the oldest existing operating room in Europe before the emergence of anesthetics and preservatives and experience the surgical operation before the emergence of anesthetics and preservatives through lectures.

Software Development & Game Design

Course Description:

In the digital era, game, having been an important carrier of culture and technology, consistently promotes the innovation and development of software development and game design. The programme will prepare students with development skills in core games such as programming, software architecture, and storytelling. They will also experience the immersive technology of virtual reality brought by OTHERWORLD, and learn programming and robot technology in LOGO and FUZE workshops. Besides, they will have the opportunity to visit the Pixel United Studio and Video Games Museum to explore the full scope of game development up close.

Reference practice activities:

Virtual Experience in OTHERWORLD: Students will experience 16 unique VR experiences by visiting the OTHERWORLD where they will enter an interactive immersive capsule and experience 16 extreme virtual realities while wearing a state-of-the-art VR headset with ambient dynamic heat, wind, and vibration effects.

Hobs Group Tour: Students will visit the Hobs Group in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, to learn more about cutting-edge technology in the fields of 3D visualization, virtual reality, and model making.

LEGO Workshop: Students will build automated robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits to enhance their problemsolving and creative thinking skills through hands-on learning about programming and robotics.

Fun Game Programming: Students will learn game programming through the ‘FUZE4 Nintendo Switch’ app, and be exposed to real-life game examples to stimulate interest in complex concepts.

VR and Drone Programming Challenge: Students will experience programming in the School of Coding's VR and Drone Workshop, learning how to programme drones and completing the challenge of competing in a race, controlling drones to accurately and quickly navigate an obstacle course.

Visit to Pixel United Studio: Students will visit the Pixel United (PxU) game studio to learn about its operation mechanism, explore all aspects of game development, and observe different professional roles in action.

Big Data Workshop: Students will gain insight into the practical applications of Big Data in Marketing, Fin-Tech, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills to help them understand the wide range of applications of Big Data in various industries.

Video Game Museum Tour: The museum takes students through interactive playable exhibits and immersive workshops to experience game design, programming, art and testing, and other aspects of game production, helping students deepen their understanding of how game development works.

  Partial Practice Institutions  

Summer School at UCL has 10 years' experience in summer school and has reached in-depth cooperation with many well-known British enterprises and institutions. It is committed to fully mobilizing students' learning enthusiasm, helping students explore a wide range of disciplines, understand future industry development trends, clarify future professional choices and career development paths, and develop necessary professional skills for future academic and career development through rich classroom professional content, various project practice and visits by famous British enterprises.

Bank of England Museum

London Film Museum

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Make a Medic

Metropolitan Workshop Architecture Studio

British Royal Court of Justice

Additive X

Rise Created by BARCLAYS

Accommodation

Students will stay in the student apartment of University College London in central London. The specific accommodation standards (single room/double room, some rooms without independent bathroom) will be determined by the organizers of Summer School at UCL according to factors such as students' age and course selection. Unless under special circumstances, students do not have the right to specify or freely change dormitories. Students are encouraged to approach their studies and daily life at University College London with an open and inclusive mindset.

  Sample Schedule  

Date/Time 9:30-11:30 13:30-17:30 19:00-20:30
Day 1 Arrival and Check-in
Day 2 Professional Academic Course
(Learning professional courses and practical skills)
Practice Course
(Industry visits, workshops, communications with experts, etc.)

Evening Activities:

Guest Speaker, guessing game, "fireside chats" with instructors

Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 1-on-1 Mentorship
Day 7 Visit to the University of Oxford/ University of Cambridge
Day 8 London City Exploraton
Day 9 Professional Academic Course
(Learning professional courses and practical skills)
Practice Course
(Industry visits, workshops, communications with experts, etc.)

Evening Activities:

Guest Speaker, Talents Show, Baking and Painting Creativity, etc.

Day 10
Day 11
Day 12 1-on-1 Mentorship
Day 13 Academic Guidance & Presentation Closing Ceremony Farewell Dinner
Day 14 Departure

 Application 

【Programme Date】

July 13 - July 26, 2025

【Birthday Requirements】

  • 15-18 years old (Birthday between July 27, 2006 and August 31, 2010)

【Requirements】

  • English language level equivalent to IELTS level 6.0 or TOEFL 80
  • Recommendation letter from your teacher as proof of English proficiency or a interview(via phone/online) with an ASEEDER staff member (since the programme is conducted entirely in English)
  • Priority for international/national awarded students from ASEEDER STEM assessments

* Limited spots are available for each course, and enrollment closes upon reaching capacity. Once AESSDER receives your payment, we will promptly register you on the Summer School at UCL system. Final confirmation depends on the organizers. If no more course places exist, an ASEEDER consultant will quickly discuss second-choice preferences with students and parents.

【Fee】

  • Includes:tuition, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, extracurricular activities, and excursions to London during the programme; ASEEDER group leader service fee; drop-off and pick-up fees between the LHR and the destination; international insurance; study materials
  • Excludes:nternational transportation costs to and from London (departure and arrival from Beijing/Shanghai/Shenzhen/Hong Kong, you can use a third-party service or ASEEDER's unified service); visa and visa service fee; lunch (Due to students attending different courses, it will not be possible to organize lunch in one place. Various eateries around London have a suggested budget of £15- £20 per meal.)

Contact Us

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